Is the percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty a risky thing to do?

In good hands, no: Ptca has become very routine, and is now routinely done in centers without cardiac suregry back-up as was formerly recommended. However, like any complex procedure, results are much better in the hands of experienced cardiologists working at high-volume centers.

Some risk exists: It is generally safe but not without some risk. Bleeding complications happen about 1 in 200 times which rarely requires blood transfusion, damage to artery requiring surgical repair also rarely happens. Risk of the artery being opened closing completely requiring emergency bypass may happen 1 in 100 times but is becoming less and less frequent with advanced stents.Death from procedure is rare.